vehicle

n. [ L. vehiculum, fr. vehere to carry; akin to E. way, wain. See Way, n., and cf. Convex, Inveigh, Veil, Vex. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. That in or on which any person or thing is, or may be, carried, as a coach, carriage, wagon, cart, car, sleigh, bicycle, etc.; a means of conveyance; specifically, a means of conveyance upon land. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That which is used as the instrument of conveyance or communication; as, matter is the vehicle of energy. [ 1913 Webster ]

A simple style forms the best vehicle of thought to a popular assembly. Wirt. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Pharm.) A substance in which medicine is taken. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Paint.) Any liquid with which a pigment is applied, including whatever gum, wax, or glutinous or adhesive substance is combined with it. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Water is used in fresco and in water-color painting, the colors being consolidated with gum arabic; size is used in distemper painting. In oil painting, the fixed oils of linseed, nut, and poppy, are used; in encaustic, wax is the vehicle. Fairholt. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. (Chem.) A liquid used to spread sensitive salts upon glass and paper for use in photography. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]